The Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Burundi (OSESG-B) held a retreat in Bujumbura, January 23, with the SDGs at the heart of discussions on a Work Plan for fiscal year 2020.

“Our mandate so far remains the same, aimed at consolidating peace, forging dialogue and promoting national reconciliation,” OSESG-B director Yewande Odia reminded staff at the meeting. “We would, of course, pursue these main objectives with the Sustainable Development Goals in view,” she added.

The Office, she indicated, places a premium on Goal 5, which directs UN entities to mainstream gender issues and concerns into their interventions. In keeping with this policy, the Political Affairs Section cited efforts to promote the participation of women in the conduct of national life, ensuring an active role for them in the Inter-Burundi Dialogue and other regional peace initiatives supported by the United Nations.

The Action Plan for 2020 also spotlights Goal 16, under which OSESG-B envisions working in synch with the UN Country Team and other stakeholders to promote the rule of law and foster justice in Burundi.

At the daylong confab at Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika, Burundi’s general elections coming up in May were identified among key markers for the year. Accordingly, OSESG-B would also be liaising with lead agencies, stakeholders and partners to push for free, fair and peaceful elections in the country.